When the sky is clear and the sun decides to make an appearance? There are few better ways to soak up all that vital vitamin D than by drinking in one of the capital's many outdoor terraces. Whether you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a post-work pint or are planning a daytime session in the sunshine, check out our guide to Cardiff's beer gardens here.
Last edited by Scarlett Welch
Last updated on 28th May 2025
Okay, there's no doubt about it, The Botanist's lovely terrace needs a special mention in this list. A seriously stunning spot for sunset cocktails and dinner under the stars, this is up there as one of the best places to drink outside in Cardiff's city centre.
Nestled in the heart of Cardiff, the Pen & Wig is a beautiful looking pub that's built into the hustle and bustle of the city's busy roads. Only a short walk away from the ever-vibrant Queen Street, the garden here is a calming hangout during the summer months.
If you're on the hunt for the best beer gardens in Cardiff's city centre, look no further than The Philharmonic. This three-storey party palace boasts a stunning sun-soaked terrace that's ideal for summertime sipping with your mates before heading to the dancefloor.
On the hunt for places to drink outside? Located in Pontcanna, Beverley Hotel has everything you need for a cracking good time. The sunny beer garden boasts gorgeous greenery and fairy lights - ideal if you're looking to while away while soaking up the sun.
Soak up the sunshine at Boom Battle Bar's beer garden in The Old Brewery Quarter. Enjoy an ice-cold pint and some American eats, all before heading inside for a bit of fun. Think axe throwing, 'crazier' golf, darts and much more.
Boasting an outdoor terrace to enjoy during the summer months, Revolution is one of the best bars with a garden in Cardiff. This really is the place to head if you're looking to sip on some sunshine-ready libations, so settle in for Aperol spritzes and warm-weather get-togethers.
Looking for somewhere to lounge in the sun with a pint in hand? Then get yourself over to the Blue Bell on Cardiff High Street, where they're serving up great draught beer to enjoy on their spacious terrace. Dating back more than two centuries, this is the third oldest pub in the whole city, and they've stuck to tradition with their menu too - think ale-battered fish and chips, traditional Welsh lamb stew and hearty pies.
A buzzing sports bar that transforms into a party palace as night falls, Walkabout sure knows a thing or two about all-day drinking sessions. The city centre watering hole is home to a gorgeous outdoor terrace, perfect for getting in a round with your best pals.
If you're on the hunt for fab watering holes in Cardiff, check out The Pontcanna for its cracking beer garden. Toting a huge space, it's the perfect plot to drink real ales, craft lagers and much more, alongside a roast dinner or small plates.
A traditional, local pub, Church Inn Llanishen is the place to go for alfresco drinking and dining. Settle into one of the outside picnic benches and get stuck into scrumptious ales, beers and wines accompanied by an eclectic selection of British grub.
If you're after a beer garden in the city, then Peppermint Cardiff is the haunt for you. Boasting a glorious garden terrace, decked out with sun-worthy spots and all-weather covers for those drizzly moments, this Saint Mary Street venue is a great location to catch up with pals.
Go for the pizza, stay for the beer garden. Found in the city centre, The Cardiff Stable may be a restaurant, but it also has a mega menu of craft brews, cracking ciders and so much more, all of which you can enjoy in the sprawling outdoor space.
Looking for places to drink outside in Cardiff city centre? Flight Club boasts a fantastic rooftop terrace that showcases pretty trees and atmospheric fairy lights, not to mention tasty pizzas, cocktails and bubbles. Plus, it's the home of social darts, so you can enjoy a bit of friendly competition too.
Without a doubt, The Eli Jenkins is home to one of the best beer gardens in Cardiff Bay. Not only is it pretty darn huge, with lots of sun-soaked seating, but it also has outdoor screens so you can watch the sports fixtures. Pair that all with delicious food and drink and you've got yourself a winner.
Brewhouse & Kitchen's prime location in the heart of the city makes it the ultimate hangout for chilling out with pals in a beer garden. Grab a few pints and some tasty bar snacks, then enjoy the Welsh sunshine from one of the benches in the pretty outdoor space.
Designed with sunny Saturdays in mind, Slug and Lettuce is one of Cardiff's best places to drink outdoors. In the summer months, the terrace out front is decked out with chic furniture, verdant foliage and huge umbrellas - perfect for shading from the midday heat.
They even offer an outdoor bottomless brunch here, where you can get your hands on two whole hours of free-flowing drinks, accompanied by a range of scrumptious breakfast plates.
While more like sunny streetside tables than a beer garden, Henry's offers a prime plot for after-work drinks and weekend shenanigans in the summer. To go with your bevs, choose from a delicious selection of eats, from lasagne to chicken tikka masala.
Tramshed's spacious courtyard is one of the best places for outdoor drinking in Cardiff. Located just a short walk away from the River Taff, this cool space is decked out with picnic tables, heaters and lights that are ideal for a day of summer sipping.
The Vulcan Lounge on Wyvern Road offers everything you could possibly want from a traditional British pub. A great selection of beer and a friendly clientele makes for a fun ambience, while the quaint beer garden, framed by vine-covered walls, acts as a sanctuary from the bustling city.
A community pub with a whole lotta heart, The Landsdowne offers regulars and stop-ins alike the chance to sample excellent craft beers and soak up some sunshine in the sprawling yard. Even better, it comes complete with picnic benches and regular outdoor events.
Home to one of the sunniest spots around, this friendly Cathedral Road boozer is the only place you'll want to find yourself come summer. Nab a table on the terrace and prepare to sink pints plus feast on tasty pub grub until dusk falls.
While Clwb Ifor Bach may be better known for its incredible live music offering, the city centre venue also happens to have a gorgeous outdoor terrace. Swing by on the weekend to sip craft ales and reasonably priced wine under the twinkling fairy lights.
